Don't want to take over the weather thread - but David it gives me heart! If my plants are lots of healthy (I hope) growth and leaves, but no real sign of flowers yet, it gives me perverse hope that experts are also struggling.

Dunno what the weather will be over the next couple of weeks - but those who, at Chelsea, anticipated near-drought conditions, may wish they had opted for slightly different planting schemes!

It isn't as daunting as it might at first seem - and a good bit of common sense, a reading of all sorts of gardening books - and asking on a good forum such as this, will help you to overcome the initial apprehension you may have. When I first had a GH I had precious few frames of reference - you have the advantage that you can ask questions as you go along.

So - enjoy! And no matter how humdrum your question may seem, please ask. There are many who will be only too happy to help.

Oh, yes figrat - I'd forgotten all about the fan being set to cool the GH down in the summer. (Not surprising, really, since I can't remember when we had a real, hot summer ) I would like automatic vent openers, but the ones I have got, I am unable to fit. OH said he would do it ummmmmmm a few, ummmmmm a lot of years ago. Still waiting.

My GH is my sanctuary - I could (do, actually) spend hours there, especially in the spring when I'm sowing seed, pricking out plants and potting them on etc. I take my radio and it is a little bit of heaven, snug inside no matter what the weather is like.

My suggestions would be, like others, get one as big as you can afford and locate. Then have an electric fan, that can be set for "frost" setting. It keeps the temperature just above freezing, but only switches on when the thermostat registers the temp. I have it a little bit warmer when I have seeds in there, but also use electric propogators, which have helped enormously.

I also insulate in the winter - bubble wrap does keep it extra cosy, so the running costs are kept as low as possible.

Grey and cloudy but warmer. Well, I exaggerate - what I mean is it's less cold

Looks gloomy for the weekend, but could be brighter on Monday - fingers crossed 'cos that's when the Olympic torch comes through our village. We are bedecked in bunting, flags and finery - just soooo hope it doesn't rain on our parade!

Moonlit Hare - I thought it would be a good idea to ask B & Q, so I registered with them and posted a question. It is now in pre-mod (where have I heard that before?) and will take up to 72 hours before it is posted. I think it's now a case of "watch this space" (while you let their DIY paint dry. 72 Hours! )